day of the ceremony
Everything you need to know for Commencement Day—schedules, directions, accessibility information, and what to expect before, during, and after the ceremony.
If you are unable to attend a Commencement ceremony, you may request your ceremony memorabilia to be mailed to you.
view ceremony livestream
Bellevue University will stream the Commencement ceremony live on Saturday, June 6, 2026, so those who cannot attend still have the opportunity to watch graduates walk across the stage.
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony participants will receive a Zoom link to share with friends and family who cannot attend in person.
Both ceremonies will be recorded and available on Bellevue University’s YouTube channel with seven to 10 days after the ceremonies.
Watch Live at 8:30 a.m. CT
Livestream link will be posted on the ceremony day.
Questions? Please contact BRUIN Support at 1.800.756.7920 or BRUINSupportServices@bellevue.edu.
doctoral hooding ceremony
Doctoral graduates are invited to a special reception on Friday, June 5, 2026, on Bellevue University’s main campus. Depending on participation numbers, the Hooding Ceremony will take place either:
- Friday, June 5 (prior to the reception), or
- Saturday, June 6 (during Commencement at the Mid-America Center).
Final details will be communicated closer to the event date.
schedule of events on June 6, 2026
Commencement is held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
- 8 a.m. — Mid America Center doors open for graduates and guests. Graduates check in at the South Entrance for formation; Video Shout Outs begin on screen in the arena and online.
- 8:30 a.m. — Final count of participants. (Graduates, please be in your seat by this time, as this will determine whether or not your name is read while crossing the stage).
- 9:10 a.m. — Ceremony begins with procession of graduates.
- All times listed are Central Standard Time (CT).
- Graduates who arrive late will not be admitted to participate in the ceremony.
ceremony location
Mid-America Center
- The Mid-America Center is located at 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501.
- There are two parking lots designated for guests at the Mid-America Center with no charge.
- Graduates and guests enter the Mid-America Center South Entrance.
Directions to the Mid-America Center – 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501
From I-80 West
- Traveling west on Interstate 80 from Des Moines, take the South 24th Street exit, Exit 1B, toward Council Bluffs.
- Turn right onto South 24th Street.
- Take the first left onto Mid-America Drive West.
- Turn right onto Arena Way.
From I-29 North
- Traveling north of Interstate 29, take the South 24th Street exit, Exit 1B, toward Council Bluffs.
- Turn right onto South 24th Street.
- Take the first left onto Mid-America Drive West.
- Turn right onto Arena Way.
From I-80 East
- Traveling east on Interstate 80 from Lincoln, Nebraska, merge onto I-29 North via Exit 1A on the left toward Sioux City.
- Take the Nebraska Ave exit, Exit 52, toward Riverboat Casino/Dog Track Casino.
- Turn left onto Nebraska Ave and take the first right onto South 35th Street, which becomes 23rd Ave.
- Turn right onto Bass Pro Drive and take the first left onto 24th Ave.
- Stay straight to go onto Arena Way.
From Eppley Airfield
- When leaving the terminal, turn left (south) on Abbot Drive and left onto North 14th Street.
- Merge onto Interstate 480 East via the ramp on the left and merge onto Interstate 29 South toward Kansas City.
- Take the Nebraska Ave exit, exit 52, toward Riverboat Casino/Dog Track Casino and turn left.
- Turn right on South 35th Street, which becomes 23rd Avenue.
- Turn right onto Bass Pro Drive and take the first left onto 24th Avenue.
- Stay straight to go onto Arena Way.
guests
There is no limit to the number of guests who can be invited. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and doors open at 8 a.m. CT via the South Entrance. Seating for guests is accessible by stairs, escalator, or elevator.
We strive to create a welcoming environment for all attendees during the commencement ceremony and throughout all of the commencement week activities. Please refrain from using air horns, confetti poppers and other items that make loud and sudden noises. Additionally, only service animals are allowed on campus and in the Mid-America Center.
personal items
Graduates should leave valuables with family or friends before entering the Exhibition Hall. If you would like to take pocket-sized items with you to the dressing area, make sure to keep them with you.
Once you are dressed, counted, seated by the Registrar’s Office, and given instructions for the ceremony, you will not be able to leave the Exhibition Hall to visit with family and friends. Additionally, your guests will not be allowed into the Exhibition Hall as the area is reserved for graduates.
recessional
After the ceremony, graduates will be ushered out immediately following the faculty and Board of Directors. Guests are asked to remain seated during the recessional. After exiting the arena, graduates will be directed back to the Exhibition Hall, where they will turn in their gowns.
meeting your guests after
Once graduates have exited the arena, family and friends can proceed to the first floor. Please make arrangements or designate a location to meet your friends and family after the ceremony. Alphabetical banners hanging in the Exhibition Hall make a convenient meet-up place for you and your party.
graduation photography and gown return
Several photo backdrops are available in and around the Exhibition Hall for photo opportunities. Please ask a volunteer in purple robes for photo assistance if needed.
disability/mobility access
We strive to make the ceremony comfortable and accessible for all graduates and guests. The Mid-America Center is accessible; however, an early arrival is recommended, as seats for individuals with a disability are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The south entrance of the Mid-America Center is an ideal location to let individuals with mobility limitations off. All guest entrances to the convention center are fully accessible, featuring power-assist doors. Guests with mobility limitations are welcome to utilize the elevator or escalator to the general seating areas on the second floor. Wheelchair accessible seating is available in the general seating areas on a first-come, first-served basis. Only service animals are allowed on campus and in the Mid-America Center. Please contact disability services if you have a service animal attending the graduation activities and /or commencement with you.
Phone: 1.402.557.7422
Email: disability@bellevue.edu
Hearing Access
An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter may be provided upon request, with advanced notice of four to six weeks. We will attempt to arrange interpreters on shorter notice, but we cannot guarantee availability. Email disability@bellevue.edu to request. Closed captioning will be provided on the arena video boards.
Visual Access
All commencement programs are printed in large font sizes and are available from volunteers on the main floor of the Mid-America Center.
Staff Assistance
Disability Services staff and volunteers are available to assist guests to accessible seating. The team will wear name badges to identify themselves. Staff will be available at the south entrance near the elevators and escalators, as well as on the second floor to assist guests.
Wheelchairs for Guests
Bellevue University is not equipped to provide wheelchairs. The Mid-America Center may have wheelchairs available for guest use. For more information, please contact the Mid-America Center at 712-323-0536.